Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction review

In Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction, you are former agent Sam Fisher. You go on an unwanted journey to stop a massive attack on the United States and above all, reap vengeance upon the black-ops military group, Third Echelon, for the murders of his daughter and best friend.

Hits: Splinter Cell: Conviction redefines the stealth action genre as gamers know it by making combat and the "sneaking" fast, visceral and smooth. Comparison between the "speed" of Conviction and previous Splinter Cell games is similar to comparing a tortoise to a cheetah. Yet with this speed comes a control layout that, even when in the toughest of scenarios makes the player feel in control of the actions taking place on screen.

Along with the action comes the new feature that makes the action in Conviction unique: mark-and-execute. In this mode, the player is able to "mark" particular enemies and then "execute" them with the push of a button which sends Sam into a Jason Bourne-like flurry of gunfire that takes out every marked enemy in a split second. This is a very interesting and strangely appropriate addition that really helps bring out the "action" in stealth action.

The story stands out with brow raising twists, a compelling plot, and the superb voice of Michael Ironside.

Misses: Conviction's main flaw is the over-complicated stages where the player must balance stealth with action, such as when Sam must take out a room full of enemies. You will die over and over until you grasp the proper strategy for handling the baddies. These can be outright frustrating and mentally exhausting.

Recommendation: This game is a good choice for fans of Splinter Cell, stealth or action gamers, or anyone interested in movies "Taken" and "The Bourne Conspiracy." Due to the way in which the story is told, one doesn't really have to have a great understanding of the Splinter Cell universe. This tale of revenge is a good choice for a gamer or a thriller movie buff.